Encapsulation of secure encrypted data in a deployable, secure communication system allowing benign, secure commercial transport

ABSTRACT

Sensitive, Type 1 KIV-encrypted data is encapsulated into IP packets in a remotely deployed, secure communication system. The IP packets are addressed to a matching IP encapsulator/decapsulator device over the public Internet or other IP protocol network, that then passes it to a similar Type 1 KIV device for decryption. Thus, sensitive, encrypted data is made to appear as if it were any other commercial network data, cloaking it in the vast and busy world of the Internet. The present invention is embodied in a system that provides secure Voice-Over-IP (VoIP), video and data network functionality in a single, small size deployable case, to a remote user. Most importantly, the embodiment allows for the routing of bulk encrypted (i.e., secure) data over a public network, e.g., the Internet.

The present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/502,660, entitled “Encryption of Voice and Data in aSingle Data Stream in a Deployable, Secure Communication System”, filedSep. 15, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer and communication networks,and more specifically, to handling of encrypted data in a deployablecommunication system used to provide secure voice, video and dataservices to multiple remote users.

2. Background of Related Art

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a conventional deployable secure communicationsystem.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, a secure encryption module such asdefined by KIV-7 standards 912 with suitable interface hardware isutilized in a direct connection path between a remote user 910 and awireless connection to a similarly secure receiver via a satelliteantenna 914. In the conventional system of FIG. 5, an ISDN link isutilized between the module 912 including a KIV-7 encryption module, anda suitable satellite two-way communication transceiver and antenna 914.

In operation, voice data is encrypted by the Type 1 encryption unit 912.The encryption unit 912 has a serial data output, e.g., a synchronousserial output such as is defined by RS-530 standards.

The serial data passed from the encryption unit 912 is converted into anISDN data stream by a suitable serial-to-ISDN converter 917, andtransmitted in a secure environment over a physically secure satellite,e.g., an M4 INMARSAT satellite terminal.

It is vitally important that encryption units 912 stay physicallysecured, to maximize protection of the information being passedthereover. Also, to further maximize protection of the information, thesatellite terminal 914 is conventionally set up and maintained within asecure environment, and travels with the secure encryption module.

Conventional systems are typically physically large, e.g., the size of avan. More importantly, such conventional systems require all elements tobe maintained in a secure environment, including the data transportsystem (e.g., satellite communication system) over which the datatravels to another secure communications terminal. Such secure datatransport systems are costly to install and maintain, and always run arisk of being compromised.

There is a need for a small, lightweight, easily portable and easilydeployable communication system that is not only even more secure thanconventional systems, but which also allows flexibility in use ofnon-secure data transport systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following description with referenceto the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary deployable securecommunication system, in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployablesecure communication system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows encrypted data encapsulated within an IP packet, inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows that the encrypted data encapsulated within an IP packetmay be Voice over IP data (VoIP).

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a particular conventional deployable securecommunication system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method andmeans for cloaking encrypted data comprises encapsulating a serial datastream of encrypted data into IP packets. The IP packets of encrypteddata are transmitted on a public IP network.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a securecommunications device comprises means for encrypting a data stream intoan encrypted data stream. Means for encapsulating the encrypted datastream transmits the encrypted data stream to another securecommunications device using IP protocol. Means for routing theencapsulated, encrypted data stream routes the encapsulated, encrypteddata stream over an Internet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Sensitive, Type 1 KIV-encrypted data is encapsulated into IP packets ina remotely deployed, secure communication system. The IP packets areaddressed to an IP device that removes the encapsulated, encrypted dataand passes it to a similar Type 1 KIV device for decryption. However,the IP encapsulated, encrypted data is passed over the public Internet,taking advantage of the wide availability and flexibility of theInternet.

In this way, encrypted data need not be maintained within a totallysecure network transmission system, because it doesn't look likegovernment encrypted data (i.e., it doesn't look like a KIV signal).Rather, the encrypted data, being encapsulated in IP packets, looks justlike any other commercial IP transmission from just about any other IPdevice. Thus, sensitive, encrypted data is made to appear as if it wereany other commercial network data.

The present invention is embodied in a system that provides secureVoice-Over-IP (VoIP), video and data network functionality in a single,small size deployable case, to a remote user. While capable of securecommunications, the disclosed system also provides communicationcapability (VoIP, video and/or data) in a non-secure manner if desired.Most importantly, the embodiment allows for the routing of bulkencrypted (i.e., secure) data over a public network, e.g., the Internet.

The disclosed deployable secure communications system can be deployedeven at the most remote regions of the world where no othercommunication means are available, taking advantage of the satellitedirect connection link, or (very importantly) in more developed regionsthat might include access to the Internet (e.g., in a hotel room, highspeedx).

The disclosed deployable secure communications system can be deployed toprovide a multitude of applications for remote users. Uses includeemergency response, news reporting, public safety, drilling and miningoperations, field surveys and other activities that require remotecapabilities for video and data transmissions.

The system, once deployed and operational, offers access to the Internetor corporate network using a direct link via an Inmarsat M4 GAN networkor ISDN terrestrial circuit. For those systems configured with a KIV-7encryption device, access to the SIPRNET and other secure voice and datanetworks is possible. However, importantly, the disclosed deployablesecure communication system also provides an access point for a directlink to a local enterprise network providing IP encapsulated informationfor transmission over a network such as the Internet. In this way, bulkencrypted data may be routed using an available link (e.g., a wiredEthernet port in a hotel room, high speed cable, etc.) Thus, secure datacommunications and/or voice-over-IP communications over the Internet arepossible.

The disclosed deployable communication system provides a single user, ormultiple users, remote secure access to a local enterprise network, andthus access to services conventionally provided only to direct connectedusers. Also, up to two simultaneous voice over IP calls may beestablished along with normal data connectivity via, e.g., a laptopcomputer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary deployable securecommunication system, in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

In particular, FIG. 1 shows a deployable communications module 112including a secure encryption module, e.g., one built according to KIV-7requirements, and an IP encapsulator of serial data 204. On the red,non-secure side of the deployable communications module 112, voicecommunications 110 and/or data communications such as from a laptopcomputer 111 or other digital device are provided with suitableinterfaces.

The IP encapsulator 204 is a full-duplex device providing both IPencapsulation of encrypted synchronous serial RS-530 data emanating fromthe encryption unit 200, as well as IP decapsulation of IP dataaddressed to the IP address of the IP encapsulator 204 from a distantsource, and passing the decapsulated, presumably encrypted data to theRS-530 synchronous serial data port of the encryption unit 200 forplayback by the telephone 110 (if voice data) or receipt by the laptopcomputer 111 (if data destined for the computer).

The analog telephone 110 may interface with a standard 2-wire telephoneloop. Alternatively, the telephone may be a digital telephone and beprovided with an ISDN type digital subscriber link to the deployablecommunications module 112. The laptop computer may communicate with thedeployable communications module 112 using a standard Ethernet 10baseTor 100baseT type network link.

On the black, or secure side, the disclosed deployable system includesan Inmarsat M4 terminal 114 providing a direct connection to anenterprise network via a satellite. The M4 Satellite terminal is, e.g.,a Nera WorldCommunicator portable Inmarsat M4 satellite terminal, whichis a portable Inmarsat M4 satellite terminal capable of providing 64kbps ISDN connectivity to remote users. Additional features include a3-panel antenna with RF transceiver; a wireless DECT 2.4 Ghz Handset;and a modem unit and battery pack.

The embodiment also provides an Ethernet direct connection to a localenterprise network, e.g., a hotel Ethernet network having direct accessto the Internet, high speed cable, etc. Thus, when the deployablecommunication system is in the convenience of modern accommodations,such as in a hotel or other public place that provides an Ethernet linkto the Internet, such services may be utilized without the need to setup the direct connection using the Inmarsat M4 terminal 114.

It is important to understand that this direct connection to theInternet is on the black side of the deployable communication system,thus bulk encrypted data (i.e., secure data) may be conveniently routedalong the public Internet 101 to a desired destination. This savesbandwidth on the relevant satellite, and also battery power necessary todrive the satellite transceiver. It also simply provides securecommunications while in a hotel room or similar public place, near acable modem, etc.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployablesecure communication system shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the deployable communications module112 includes a black (encrypted, or secure) portion and a red(non-encrypted, or unsecure) portion.

The red portion includes a router 202, e.g., a Cisco 1751-V voiceenabled modular access router. This router 202 includes one fastEthernet (10/100 BaseTX) port; Interface cards support either WIC or VICmodules; and it supports VoIP, VoFR, and VoATM connections.

The red portion also includes a suitable power supply such as the +5V,+12V and −12V power supply 212 shown in FIG. 2. The red components areshielded in a suitable RFI/EMI shielding preferably providing −40 dB to−60 dB of isolation. The compartment in which the red components sit mayalso be coated with a suitable RFI/EMI isolating coating.

The black portion includes a KIV-7 device 200 such as the KIV-7HSB shownin FIG. 2. The disclosed KIV-7HSB is a Mykotronx KIV-7 module is astandard compact, economical, high performance, and user-friendly COMSECdevice, designed to meet users' needs for secure data communicationlinks. Features of this unit include Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS)Type I data encryption; KG-84/-84A/-84C interoperability; User-friendlymenu-based operator interface; and Standard D-type rear-panel interfaceconnectors.

The IP encapsulator 204 may be any suitable product that can invisiblyencapsulate serial data (e.g., synchronous serial data from an RS-530port) into IP packets addressed to another IP encapsulator 204 operatingto de-encapsulate the same IP packets and pass the data back into asuitable serial data stream (e.g., an RS-530 data stream). Thus, the IPencapsulator 204, IP network, and receiving IP encapsulator operateinvisibly as if the RS-530 data ports (sending and receiving) wereplugged into one another. The product utilized in the disclosedembodiment is an IPTube-RS530 model that is commercially available fromEngage Communication in Aptos, Calif.

The IP encapsulator 204 encapsulates encrypted data, and passes iteither to an Ethernet port which may be wired directly to an Ethernetnetwork having access to the Internet 101, or to a black-side router 206(e.g., commercially available from CISCO). The router 206 includes anISDN port (ISDN/BRI/ST) to link to the Inmarsat M4 terminal 114.

The KIV-7 preferably uses a serial RS-530 connection both on its redside to the red side router 202, as well as on the black side to connectto the IP encapsulator 204. The red side router 202 is suitablyconfigured for operation with the KIV-7 encryption device 200.

The red side router 202 is configured to allow for transparent,automated operation for the user. All off-network traffic is routed viathe serial port to the KIV-7HSB for bulk encryption. In addition, thevoice ports are configured so that dialing a “9” (or any other stringdesired by the user) will result in off-network traffic and be routed tothe distant end gateway.

The particularly IP encapsulator 204 used in the disclosed embodiments,the IPTube, allows acceptance of encrypted data. The clock in the IPTubeis preferably tuned to match the RS-530 synchronous serial data outputof the KIV-7HSB. In addition, it is further preferred that the IPTubeallow for a dial-on-demand type feature so that the IP encapsulator 204would be in an idle state until interesting traffic were presented.

The IP encapsulator 204 is configured so as to seek a specific distantend device and establish a dedicated tunnel therewith. The internal sideof the IP encapsulator 204 is configured to seek a specific (distantend) IP address. The distant end device is configured to seek theopposite. Once located, the two IP encapsulators 204 communicate andestablish the tunnel.

FIG. 3 depicts an IP packet encapsulating a payload of encrypted data302 encrypted by an encryption unit such as the KIV-7. The IP packet 300is addressed to another IP encapsulator also accessible to the relevantIP network, e.g., the Internet. The receiving IP encapsulator retrievesthe encryupted data 302 from the IP packet, and converts it back to theappropriate serial data form (e.g., synchronous RS-530 data) and passesit on to its encryption unit (e.g., a KIV-7) for decryption.

FIG. 4 shows that the encapsulated encrypted data may be Voice over IPdata (VoIP).

Referring back to FIG. 2, the laptop computer 111 a depicts in solidline a one-to-one connection into the red side router 202. In a dottedline depiction, multiple computing devices 111 a-111 b may be networkedover a conventional Ethernet network 111 c, with the red side router 202being a member of that Ethernet network 111 c.

Any computing device capable of an Ethernet connection may beimplemented. In the disclosed embodiment, the laptop computers that wereimplemented were Panasonic Toughbooks™. Those laptop computers areruggedized in that it is shock, dust, vibration and water resistant,making it a good choice for a deployable communication system.Additional features include design to MIL-STD-810F test procedures; andpassword security (Supervisor, User), “Access Key”.

The deployable communication system communicates over the Internet(considered black with respect to the bulk encrypted data passed throughthe Ethernet port of the IP encapsulator 204) with a suitable IP gateway(not shown). As long as both sides know the IP address of the other, andthe IP encapsulator 204 is properly configured, communications will beenabled.

Both the red side router 202 and the black side router 206 areconfigured to maintain QOS. The link fragmentation and packetinterleaving are preferably implemented to assure voice quality. PPPmultilinking may be utilized to maximize performance.

Routing information is not passed through the KIV-7HSB 200. Rather, theblack side router 206 provides the routing of the WAN link. The red siderouter 202 provides the routing information for the network traffic andis contained in the encrypted payload encapsulated by the IPencapsulator 204. This information is passed from red side router 202 tored side router of a receiving device.

The disclosed deployable communication system provides up to twosimultaneous voice-over-IP calls along with normal data connectivity.Connectivity between the remote system and the enterprise network isprovided by the Inmarsat M4 terminal, through connection to aterrestrial ISDN circuit, or by connection to a network or the Internet.Transmissions between the deployed system and enterprise network areencrypted and fully secure up through the Top Secret level through theuse of a KIV-7 bulk encryption device.

The deployable communication system allows for routing of bulk encrypteddata, a feature not available in any other deployable communicationsystem employing a KIV-7 encryption device.

In the disclosed embodiment, commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipmentis integrated at the board level into an outer case made of high qualityplastics. The COTS (i.e., commercially available) equipment includes theCisco 1751V router 202, the Cisco 801 router 206, the EngageCommunications IPTube-RS-530 204, the KIV-7HSB encryption unit 200, thetri-volt power supply 212, the DC power supply 210, and a DC/AC inverter208.

Individual components are preferably integrated in such a manner so asto provide separation between encrypted and non-encrypted data, and toensure protection of the components. Additionally, the specificintegration and configuration of the system allows for operation bysimply deploying the M4 terminal and applying power. Ideally, thedeployable communication system 112 can be powered by universal AC inputor by 12 VDC from a vehicle cigarette lighter.

Data entering the deployable communication system 112 and destined forthe enterprise network is routed by the red side router 202 and passedto the encryption unit 200 for encryption. Once encrypted, the data isthen passed to the IP encapsulator (e.g., IPTube-RS530) 204, where it isencapsulated into IP packets and passed to the black side Cisco 801Ethernet to ISDN router 206.

This data is then passed out of the ISDN port of the black side router206, and on to the direct connection to the Inmarsat M4 Terminal 114,where it is transmitted to the enterprise network.

The deployable communication system 112 accomplishes two specificfunctions during transmission.

Firstly, an IPSEC tunnel is established between the black side router206 and a gateway router at the receiving fixed enterprise. Thisprovides privacy for the overall link. Moreover, and very importantly,it presents a commercial/civilian appearance to the transmittedencrypted signal.

Secondly, another tunnel is established between the deployed IPencapsulator 204 and another IP encapsulator at the fixed enterprisenetwork (or other remote deployable, secure communications terminal).

With this second tunnel established, bulk encrypted data from a KIV-7type encryption unit 200, which is normally non-routable, is importantlyencapsulated in IP packets and routed to the distant end network.

Data encrypted by the KIV-7HSB encryption module 200 normally requires adedicated, point-to-point circuit for communications to be successful.This is significant for two reasons.

First, through the use of the disclosed deployable communication systembulk encrypted data can be routed, thus making use of generic IP ornetwork connections. Moreover, while the deployable communication systemwould normally be operated with a direct, one to one connection via theInmarsat M4 Terminal 114, the process of encapsulating the bulkencrypted data into IP packets, and thus routing of the bulk encrypteddata, allows for connecting the system into any network—or directly intothe Internet via the Ethernet port made available at the output of theIP encapsulator 204.

Second, the unique signature of the government used Type 1 encryption ismasked by the two separate tunnels and appears as normal commerciallyencrypted data, thus providing a level of cover to individual operators.

The deployable communications system preferably includes groundingincorporated into grounded AC Power, and is contained in a singledeployable case. The disclosed deployable communication system measuredabout 17″×12″×5″ and weighed about 40 pounds, though other smallmeasurements and light weight systems are within the scope of thepresent invention.

A universal front end accepts between 86-240VAC and provides 24 volts DCto the on-board batteries and the DC/AC inverter. The inverterconditions the power and provides a stable 110 VAC output for thenetwork components. In the event of commercial power loss, the on-boardbatteries are sufficient to support operations for the required minimumof 15 minutes and have been tested to operate in excess of 45 minutes.Operation of all system components in a hot standby mode has beendemonstrated in excess of two hours. In the event the internal batteriesare depleted prior to commercial power restoration, two external 12 voltcar batteries can be jumper together and connected into the module forcontinued operation. This module is integrated into a custom roll-aroundcase measuring 15″W×24″L×9″D and weighs about 72 lbs includingbatteries.

Preferably, expansion capabilities may be implemented to supportadditional users. Moreover, multiple connectivity may be provided byincluding flexible connection methods and speeds for voice, video anddata services, including: a VSAT terminal, an ISDN terminal, an Inmarsatterminal, a conventional dial-up modem, and operate in either a secureor non-secure communications mode.

A single case deployable communications system in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention has particular application with theUS military, federal, local and state agencies, disaster recoveryagencies, public safety associations, news channels, and commercialenterprises, to name a few.

The disclosed deployable communication system preferably allows foroperation “out of the box”, meaning the only component requiring removalis the M4 terminal. Moreover, the deployable communication system ispreferably of a size and weight so as to be capable of transport oncommercial aircraft as checked baggage.

The term ‘encryption’ as used herein and in the appended claims relatesto a military grade disguising of data in a way intended for properdecryption only by an authorized receiving device.

The present invention is disclosed and described with respect to a KIV-7encryption unit. The principles of IP encapsulation of encrypted datarelate equally well to any type military grade encryption unit, e.g., aKIV-21.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplaryembodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to makevarious modifications to the described embodiments of the inventionwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method of cloaking an encrypted serial data stream, comprising:encapsulating a serial data stream of classified, encrypted data intoInternet Protocol (IP) packets; and transmitting said IP packets ofclassified, encrypted serial data on a public IP network.
 2. The methodof cloaking an encrypted serial data stream according to claim 1,wherein: said public network is an Internet.
 3. The method of cloakingan encrypted serial data stream according to claim 1, wherein: said IPpackets are transmitted via an ISDN router.
 4. The method of cloaking anencrypted serial data stream according to claim 1, wherein: said IPpackets are transmitted over a satellite terminal.
 5. The method ofcloaking an encrypted serial data stream according to claim 1, furthercomprising: encrypting data using a Type 1 encryption unit.
 6. Themethod of cloaking an encrypted serial data stream according to claim 5,wherein said Type 1 encryption unit comprises: a KIV type encryptionunit.
 7. The method of cloaking an encrypted serial data streamaccording to claim 6, wherein said Type 1 KIV-type encryption unitcomprises: a KIV-7 encryption unit.
 8. The method of cloaking anencrypted serial data stream according to claim 1, wherein said serialdata stream of encrypted data comprises: Voice over IP (VoIP) data. 9.The method of cloaking an encrypted serial data stream according toclaim 1, wherein: said serial data stream is a synchronous serial datastream.
 10. The method of cloaking an encrypted serial data streamaccording to claim 9, wherein: said synchronous serial data stream is anRS-530 data stream.
 11. The method of cloaking an encrypted serial datastream according to claim 1, further comprising: combining data from twovoice sources into said serial data stream before said encapsulation.12. Apparatus for cloaking an encrypted serial data stream in adeployable, secure communication terminal, comprising: means forencapsulating a serial data stream of classified, encrypted data intoInternet Protocol (IP) packets; and means for transmitting said IPpackets of classified, encrypted serial data on a public IP network. 13.The apparatus for cloaking an encrypted serial data stream in adeployable, secure communication terminal according to claim 12,wherein: said public network is an Internet.
 14. The apparatus forcloaking an encrypted serial data stream in a deployable, securecommunication terminal according to claim 12, wherein: said IP packetsare transmitted via an ISDN router.
 15. The apparatus for cloaking anencrypted serial data stream in a deployable, secure communicationterminal according to claim 12, wherein: said IP packets are transmittedover a satellite terminal.
 16. The apparatus for cloaking an encryptedserial data stream in a deployable, secure communication terminalaccording to claim 12, further comprising: means for encrypting datausing a Type 1 encryption unit.
 17. The apparatus for cloaking anencrypted serial data stream in a deployable, secure communicationterminal according to claim 16, wherein said Type 1 encryption unitcomprises: a KIV type encryption unit.
 18. The apparatus for cloaking anencrypted serial data stream in a deployable, secure communicationterminal according to claim 17, wherein said Type 1 KIV-type encryptionunit comprises: a KIV-7 encryption unit.
 19. The apparatus for cloakingan encrypted serial data stream in a deployable, secure communicationterminal according to claim 12, wherein said serial data stream ofencrypted data comprises: Voice over IP (VoIP) data.
 20. The apparatusfor cloaking an encrypted serial data stream in a deployable, securecommunication terminal according to claim 12, wherein: said serial datastream is a synchronous serial data stream.
 21. The apparatus forcloaking an encrypted serial data stream in a deployable, securecommunication terminal according to claim 20, wherein: said synchronousserial data stream is an RS-530 data stream.
 22. The apparatus forcloaking an encrypted serial data stream in a deployable, securecommunication terminal according to claim 12, further comprising: meansfor combining data from two voice sources into said serial data streambefore said means for encapsulating encapsulates said serial datastream.
 23. The apparatus for cloaking an encrypted serial data streamin a deployable, secure communication terminal according to claim 22,wherein said means for combining data from two voice sources comprises:a voice-enabled router.
 24. A secure communications device, comprising:means for encrypting a classified serial data stream into a classified,encrypted serial data stream; means for encapsulating said classified,encrypted serial data stream into Internet Protocol (IP) packets fortransmission to another secure communications device using IP protocol;and means for routing said encapsulated, classified, encrypted serialdata stream over a public an Internet.
 25. The secure communicationsdevice according to claim 24, wherein said means for routing comprises:an Ethernet to ISDN router.
 26. The secure communications deviceaccording to claim 24, wherein said means for encrypting comprises: AKIV-7 encryption unit.
 27. The secure communications device according toclaim 24, wherein: said means for encapsulating converts a RS-530synchronous serial data stream into an IP data stream.